Tributes paid to two who died at Mutiny Festival

The families of two young people who died at a festival have paid tribute to them.

Tommy Cowan, 20, and 18-year-old Georgia Jones, both from Havant in Hampshire, died after falling ill at Mutiny Festival in Portsmouth on Saturday night.

Three men are in custody after being arrested on suspicion of drug dealing.

A 20-year-old man from Havant, a 20-year-old from Waterlooville, and a 22-year-old man from Cosham have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, Hampshire Police said.

Ms Jones worked with people with learning and physical difficulties, her family said.

“Georgia was a very strong-willed and opinionated young lady,” they said in a statement released through Hampshire police.

“She was a shoulder for anyone that needed it. She loved her job working with people with learning and physical difficulties. We just hope she uses her ‘indoor voice’ wherever she may be.”

Mr Cowan was a “brilliant” friend, according to 19-year-old Jack Ford, who said they met at college studying uniformed services.

“He is such a caring guy who would do anything for anyone. He loved going out with his mates but most importantly loved spending time with his girlfriend and son,” said Mr Ford, who lives near Portsmouth.

“It was a big shock to lose such a great guy like him.”

Police said Ms Jones was taken ill at the festival in King George V Playing Fields at 7.10pm before Mr Cowan was found collapsed 20 minutes later.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the two young people who lost their lives at @MutinyFestivals yesterday.❤

The festival announced the deaths, before adding: “Following the terrible news from earlier today, the team behind Mutiny Festival are incredibly sad to announce that the Sunday of the festival has been cancelled as a safety precaution.”

The organisers of the festival, which was headlined by Dizzee Rascal on Saturday, also urged customers to “responsibly dispose” of any substances.

Sean Paul paid his respects to the loved ones of the pair who died, as did Craig David, who tweeted: “My heart goes out to the family and friends of the two young people who lost their lives at @MutinyFestivals yesterday.”